Kuwait is being urged by experts to develop a comprehensive national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) to harness the technology’s potential across various sectors, particularly healthcare. Dr. Khaled Al-Zamel, Chairman of the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), emphasized healthcare as a significant opportunity for AI due to the large volume of diverse data it generates. He noted that leveraging this data could enhance service delivery and support clinical decision-making. Al-Zamel cautioned that organizations must clearly define the challenges they intend to address and the results they wish to achieve before adopting AI solutions.
Al-Zamel also highlighted the importance of ensuring data accuracy and quality, alongside adequate training for employees to effectively use AI technologies. He stressed that AI adoption should be supported by robust data privacy measures, security protocols, and governance frameworks to safeguard sensitive information.
Professor Khalid Al-Begain, president of the Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), echoed the call for a national AI policy, urging the government to articulate a clear strategy within the next three years. Such a strategy, he said, should clarify whether Kuwait’s priorities lie in developing data centers, cloud infrastructure, AI processing capabilities, or application development. Al-Begain suggested that a defined government direction would enable universities to tailor their curricula to align with national needs, better preparing graduates with relevant skills.
He also recommended building on Kuwait’s progress in digitizing public services by fostering research, innovation, and private sector involvement in the AI ecosystem.
Japan has expressed readiness to support Kuwait’s AI and digital transformation efforts through enhanced bilateral cooperation. Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Mukai proposed collaboration in areas including AI governance, research, and the application of AI in specific industries. He highlighted Japan’s expertise in “vertical AI,” which focuses on industry-specific artificial intelligence, and “physical AI,” integrating AI with machinery and manufacturing processes.
Mukai underscored the importance of developing AI technologies tailored to Kuwait’s unique language, culture, industrial sectors, and administrative systems, rather than relying solely on generic tools. He encouraged Kuwait to initiate cooperation swiftly, suggesting initiatives such as joint research laboratories at universities, localized AI training programs, partnerships between firms, and exchange programs aimed at connecting Kuwaiti entrepreneurs with Japanese innovators.
Together, these perspectives reflect a growing consensus on the need for Kuwait to formulate a strategic framework that maximizes AI’s benefits while addressing associated challenges in security, governance, and workforce readiness.